Obituaries: Mason Frazier, 1942, Winn Parish, LA
Submitted by Greggory E. Davies, 120 Ted Price Lane, Winnfield, LA 71483

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From: March 6, 1942 Winnfield News-American

A Tribute To Mason Frazier (by Judge R. W. Oglesby)

Mason Frazier

Judge R. W. Oglesby, prominent Winn Parish attorney, pays a splendid tribute
to Mason Frazier, colored man whose death occurred about ten days ago.  Mase,
as he was known to his friends, had many friends in this section, all of whom
were genuinely grieved at his passing.  The following is printed out of
respect to the aged negro who was buried recently:

For thirty years he delivered for the Peoples Hardware and Furniture Company.
Mason and his mule were familiar sights to many thousands of residents and
visitors.  Some customer would call over the phone for a screen door or some
other object handled by that old and reliable institution and in less time
than it takes to tell it, Mason would make delivery at the proper place.

During his long tenure he unloaded and carted to the store and warehouse
enough freight to make up several solid train loads, without the loss of a
single article.  He was never even suspected of being dishonest.  Mr. Heard
had absolute confidence in his honesty and integrity not once were they ever
violated.

Mason was always at his post of duty and responsive to every call with a
smile.  He seldom ever spoke unless spoken to.  He knew the large stock
intimately and all Mr. Heard had to do was to tell him to get a certain
article and take it to a certain home.  Immediately, without question it was
on its way and safely delivered.

He knew every street and home in Winnfield and every citizen even to the
smallest tot many of whom have grown to man and womanhood had their first and
last ride upon a horse-drawn vehicle with this obliging and faithful colored
man.

Mason knew the mule and the mule knew Mason and their love for each other was
mutual.  The mule was not neglected or mistreated.  A watering place was kept
at the store for her benefit.  When the long hot days of summer came, Mason
would always hitch her across the street in the shade.  When the day was over
you would see them winding their way to Mr. Heard's barn where the mule was
fed and stabled for the night.  It so happened that this was his last act. 
After administering to the needs of the mule he slumped over with a heart
attack from which he never recovered.

To have it said that he was faithful to every trust is but to say that he had
no trouble with St. Peter when he asked for admittance to that House not built
with hands.

During his long period of service I doubt if Mr. Heard ever spoke a cross
word to Mason.  The day he was buried the store was closed out of respect
to his memory, an unheard of tribute.  The passing of his friend has caused
Mr. Heard the same keen grief as would the passing of a member of his own
family.

In 1912, he was happily married and he and his wife set about to make a real
home in which they were abundantly successful.  They were the parents of three
sons, all respected as their parents were, industrious, lawabiding citizens
one of whom is now in service of his country, none of whom was ever before the
Court.

Mason belonged to the Morning Star Baptist Church of which he was a deacon and
from which he was buried with appropriate services attended by both white and
colored, at which not only the pastor but many of his neighbors and friends
paid deserving tributes.  

Blessings upon the memory of this good and faithful servant.  For, after all,
it's not what one does for himself in this life that counts but what one does
for others.  I have know no one either white or colored who in his small
sphere, did more than Mason Frazier.  "Thou hast been faithful over a few
things, I will make thee ruler over many.  Enter into the joys of thy Lord."

Respectfully,

R. W. Oglesby